Update: Emergency Alerts

On 16^th May 2021, the Government announced plans to launch a UK Emergency Alerts warning service. Ahead of introduction a series of public tests will take place.

Following a successful test in East Suffolk on the 25th May 2021, the second test will take place in Reading on the 29^th June 2021, 1-2pm. People who receive the test alert in Reading will not need to do anything – it is just a test to ensure the effectiveness of the service. The alerts are free to receive, and one-way. They do not reveal location and do not collect any personal data.

Should the tests continue to prove successful the capability will be made available for use across the whole of the UK later this year.

What are Emergency Alerts?

Emergency Alerts are a public information service that the Government has developed to alert citizens to emergencies, both nation-wide and in their local area, that represent a severe threat to life and/or property. They are text-based messages that will be broadcast from cell towers to people’s mobile devices, detailing the emergency and actions people need to take to ensure their safety.

What do the messages look like?

Emergency Alerts appear on your device’s home screen. You have to acknowledge them before you can use your device’s other features. They appear as a notification and may include telephone numbers or website links to further information. A loud, siren-like sound and vibration will accompany the message to raise awareness of the hazard or threat.

What should I do when I receive an Emergency Alert?

Read the content carefully. An Emergency Alert is likely to include a link to gov.uk/alerts where further information is contained, and/or a helpline.

Will Emergency Alerts work on all devices?

Emergency Alerts should be received on all Galaxy Fold, S and Note [from 2016 onwards] and A Series devices [from 2018 onwards], M11-51, J4 and J6, Tab S3-S7, Tab Active 2, 3 and Pro, Tab A 7-10.5, and Xcover 4S, 5 and Pro models.

A device needs to be on 4G or 5G to receive the alert.

However, there are some factors which might mean you will not receive an alert. These include:

• Where a device connects to 3G or a 2G signal (which often happens inside buildings).
• The device does not have the latest software update or the software update has not been released (older devices have a slower update cycle).
• The device is not able to receive the alerts as it is no longer supported.
• The device is not a 4G-enabled device.
• The device was switched off or in flight mode. Although if you are in proximity to a cellular tower when the alert is broadcast, you will receive the alert when your phone is switched back on.
• The device was not connected to a mast broadcasting the Emergency Alert.

We recommend that customers download the latest software. To do this go:

Settings > Software update > Download and install

How to find Emergency Alerts?

Android 11: Settings > Search for “emergency alerts” OR Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts

Android 10 and older OS versions: Messages app > Settings > Emergency Alert settings > Emergency Alerts

You can also enable alerts manually if your device is not currently supported;

Messages app > Settings > More settings > Broadcast channels or Cell broadcast > ON

1) Select channels > All channels => you can receive cb msg from 0 to 999

or 2) channel selection > My channels > add 999 => you can receive channel 999 cb msg

Will all the Mobile Networks provide Emergency Alerts?

Emergency Alerts will be sent across all networks.

Is my privacy and security protected?

No personal information (such as telephone number, identity or location) is used in the sending of any Emergency Alert.

For further information visit: gov.uk/alerts